“So certain, are you?”Adrian had never intended to accept Tessa Dawson’s offer. Still, whatever gave her such confidence piqued his curiosity.Tessa Dawson smiled and left the question hanging.At that moment, another woman stepped inside.Adrian recognized her—Natalie Norris, the one who had brought him here.The ice queen.He certainly didn’t think Tessa’s promise referred to Natalie herself.Natalie carried a small case in her hands, distinctly different from the gilded chests of jewels he’d been shown before. This one was leather-bound, old-fashioned, and heavy with age.At Tessa’s gesture, Natalie opened it.To Adrian’s surprise, within lay only a single key.A house? Tessa Dawson wanted to give him a property?Even a mansion in the most exclusive corner of this district wouldn’t sway him. Tessa couldn’t possibly be staking everything on that.Adrian picked up the key. It seemed unremarkable.“I imagine you’ve heard,” Tessa said coolly, “that Skyline City has a private museum.”

Adrian steadied his breath and patiently smelted the first batch of ingredients. Soon, a strange, enticing fragrance drifted through the room.He fed in the second batch. This time it fought him; only after a long while did it finally yield and melt.“These are all exceptionally rare. At least we’re halfway there.”Next came the Paris polyphylla.He drew a deep breath, eased the specimen into the furnace, and murmured under his breath, “I’ve only got this one seven-leaf, one-flower. Finding another would be a miracle. Don’t fail me…”He didn’t dare slip for an instant, tension pricking at his eyes.Success was far from assured. He forced all his attention into the furnace, barely blinking.He watched the flames take the Paris polyphylla and swallowed, throat dry.The fire in his palm held steady. Time passed. Inside the furnace—no change.He didn’t move a muscle. His energy bled away, the herb’s essence unfurled, and still he didn’t allow himself a single breath of carelessness.This

“Uncle, I was just trying to make more money. Things have been tight at home these last few years… The Sanders family said if I do as they ask, I can be one of their suppliers. They’re offering a full thirty percent extra profit!”“Money, money, money—that’s all you think about! No judgment, no foresight!”With Jasper Emerson’s scolding ringing in his ear, Sullivan Parker shut his mouth.Hearing silence on the other end only made Jasper angrier.“I’ll be perfectly clear: you are not to sever ties with Hill Group. Apologize at once! Do you have any idea who Adrian is? A physician who can pluck life from the grave. He’s someone we cannot afford to offend!”“I’ve worked hard to bring him into our orbit. We haven’t even sealed the deal, and you’re pushing him away? If you mess this up, I’ll be calling your father. And don’t bother coming home after that.”A cold shiver ran through Sullivan.He believed it—every word. Jasper rarely meddled in his affairs, but the family’s standing owed muc

Philip Mason stepped forward with polished manners and offered his hand. “Miss Daisy, a pleasure. I’ve heard so much about you from Lydia.”Daisy returned a polite smile and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”She tried to withdraw, gave a slight tug—and found her hand still held. Her brows knit.“Such soft skin, Miss Daisy. You must be diligent with your skincare routine.”Philip reluctantly released her. Daisy pulled back at once.“It’s nothing special. I don’t pay much attention.”He affected concern. “I hope my limited-edition Rolex didn’t brush your hand just now. You weren’t hurt, were you?”“…No.”“Good, good.”Lydia Nolan cheerfully ushered them to their seats, and the three of them made conversation that looked lively enough from a distance. But Philip, every few minutes, found a way to angle a brand label into view and mention what it cost. Lydia listened with interest. Daisy felt cornered, replying out of politeness—old friends shouldn’t have to sit in awkward silence.Merc

“So, Mr. Doyle isn’t satisfied with my arrangements?”Philip Mason turned back to look at Adrian, his eyes openly mocking.Adrian curled his lip. Satisfied or not, he certainly looked down on this sort of display. After all, when the hotel’s lobby manager, Neil Peterson, suggested the private viewing lounge, Philip’s astonishment had been all too genuine. Besides, the Joy Hotel belonged to the Hill family; with Neil’s keen sense of timing, he wouldn’t miss a chance to curry favor with Daisy.“It’ll do,” Adrian replied, noncommittal.“Adrian, don’t think I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking!” Lydia Nolan pouted, her expression sour as she glared at him.“What am I thinking?”“Oh, the same old story—you can’t measure up to my boyfriend, Philip Mason. Feeling second-rate, aren’t you? You’re just saying this because your pride can’t take it.”“But that’s how it is. Not everyone has this kind of pull. Envy, jealousy—call it what you want, but you should admit when you’re outclassed. A